CAELUS secures £10.1m from UKRI to launch the UK's first medical drone delivery network.
The consortium led by AGS Airports and NHS Scotland will use the capital to conduct live flight trials and build physical infrastructure.
A consortium developing the first national medical drone distribution network to transport essential supplies across Scotland.
The CAELUS consortium has secured £10.1m in funding from UK Research and Innovation to establish the United Kingdom's first medical distribution network using drones. Led by AGS Airports alongside NHS Scotland and 16 other partners, the project aims to connect remote and urban communities with essential medical supplies.
The capital from the Future Flight Challenge will finance live flight trials, public engagement, and the construction of physical infrastructure including prototype landing bases, and digital communication networks. Previous funding of £1.5m in 2020 allowed the consortium to design landing stations and create a virtual model of the delivery network.
The initiative forms part of the 'Once for Scotland' approach, with live flight trials to be operated by Skyports Drone Services. The project seeks to reduce waiting times for test results and provide equitable healthcare access regardless of geography.
Use of funds
- 01Build out infrastructure
- 02Fund research and development